Link copied to clipboard
Dr. Leigh Anne Taylor Knight is a resourceful, future-focused leader dedicated to expanding opportunities and fostering growth. As Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of The DeBruce Foundation, she leads initiatives that empower individuals to discover their strengths, broaden career possibilities, and contribute to economic growth. With a mission to help others unlock their potential, Leigh Anne drives collaborative innovation across sectors to create meaningful pathways for success in the future of work.
A dynamic public speaker and skilled facilitator, Leigh Anne brings a wealth of experience as a former K-12 assistant superintendent, a trusted advisor to learning institutions nationwide, and a leader of multi-state research initiatives. Her career is marked by a passion for identifying talents, coaching individuals to achieve their best, and facilitating synergistic solutions that drive impactful outcomes. She thrives on creating spaces where young voices are amplified and where mentoring others becomes a ripple effect for change.
Leigh Anne is a sought-after leader and advisor, serving on boards that champion education, workforce development, and community engagement, including the Mizzou Alumni Association, University of Missouri-Kansas City, and KU Edwards, among others. Her commitment to lifelong learning and service is rooted in her academic journey, which includes degrees in Environmental Design, Secondary Education, and a doctorate in Education Policy and Leadership.
When not advancing economic opportunity, Leigh Anne finds joy in the kitchen reverse-engineering restaurant recipes, aspiring to one day become a Food Network star. Whether mentoring colleagues, innovating in career development, or perfecting a recipe, Leigh Anne’s mantra remains the same: embrace every opportunity to teach and learn from others.
